...Social work Theory Essay Introduction This essay will explain how Social work is about dealing with various problems within society and how Social work theories provide a framework which enable Social work practice find an effective solution to the issue at hand. It will explain how Social work theory draws on linking those theories and putting it into practice and that the relationship between the two aspects are imperative. The interrelationships between Theory and Practice. Social work is about dealing with society and the issues they have in their daily life. Society is complex and therefore having theories to work with can empower the Social worker as much as a client. The theories shape the course of action taken or the practice. Theories are described in Payne (2014) as generalized ideas that can describe our knowledge of situations and the world in which we live in an organised manner (p.3). Specifically in relation to social work theory, Payne (p.5) simply states it helps us do or understand social work. Nash, Munford & O’Donoghue describe how theory informs practice which in turn informs theory in action and describes it as a ‘map’ (p.15). Without being able to understand Social work, let alone do it in practice you would not assist the client and therefore is a key piece within the jigsaw of Social work. According to Payne (p.9) there are four different ways to approach theory; Perspectives which allows you to look at situations from different points...
Words: 1802 - Pages: 8
...When I first received this assignment, I perceived it as just another requirement for this class but, as I began researching social work as a career path and starting interviewing my internship supervisor, I soon saw the value of this project. Given that my career path is unique and fairly modern, I struggled to locate an interviewee who could provide me with the valuable information I need as I begin to navigate the career world. I was, however, able to interview my internship supervisor who is the youth services program coordinator at Mansfield Youth Services. Even though Pat is a clinical psychologist who works with at-risk youth instead of military youth, I do aspire to be a youth services program coordinator, so she was the perfect choice....
Words: 925 - Pages: 4
...The basic purpose of the social work profession is to facilitate the achievement of societies’, individuals’ and communities’ welfare. Social work professional seeks to facilitate social transformation, cohesion, growth, and empowerment. This profession mainly aims at developing and maximizing the individuals or societies’ potential and satisfying their needs as well as empowering them to reach the best possible level of personal or social well-being. The social work profession is a discipline that is within human services. It also aims at using different multi-discipline approaches to link the government and government resources to help the target clients live a productive life within the community. The social work discipline equally attempts...
Words: 1855 - Pages: 8
...They very much run off a community based structure, meaning that they are bottom up and their service users and clients are heavily involved in decision making (Gair, 2015, p.5). Directly from Leanne when asked about the structure of Warringu she quotes; “I believe that hierarchical structures in organisations can prove to be the least useful when thinking about work with our residents and with the community. I like to think there is a flat structure to our organisation with the community members being central, the board members close to that – like in a systems approach” (L. Knowles, personal communication, September 8th,...
Words: 1694 - Pages: 7
...The writer has learned a lot through this course about working with Hispanic elders and their families. The writer has learned that the process of finding resources and people to help can be a long and frustrating process, the patience and listening abilities of the social worker are imperative. The ability of the social worker to create lasting relations with other agencies is very important as well. Many seniors have a variety of social and psychological problems. To resolve these problems, they most often depend on social service providers. Hence, social workers become a significant part of the social world of the elderly in their later years. While elderly persons need food, shelter, health care, and social services, they also need to be treated with respect. The extent to which the service providers treat elderly persons with respect, therefore, becomes a significant psychosocial factor that affects the quality of their later life (Sung & Kim, 2008). In social work, respect for the client has, in fact, been considered to be the very beginning of the service process (NASW, 1996). That is, respect is to precede all forms of care and service (Gambrill, 1983). With respect, service providers can demonstrate a positive...
Words: 524 - Pages: 3
...During some down time around the office at Headquarters, I decided to ask my field instructor if she would answer some questions for me for this assignment, and she graciously accepted. I already knew a lot about her background and job as a social worker, both from a clinical and administrative standpoint (since she also does therapy in addition to her Headquarters work), but it was fun to hear her stories again and even learn a few new details along the way. My field instructor, Kristin, is a social worker who received her MSW from KU. As I mentioned earlier, she does clinical work in a private practice she has with her mom, which means several times a week her clients will come to Headquarters for therapy sessions, and sometimes she will...
Words: 903 - Pages: 4
...Life experiences, Education, and Volunteer Experiences: My interest in obtaining a Master’s degree in Social Work stems from my experience working at South Mississippi Regional Center. South Mississippi Regional Center is an agency dedicated to the enhancement and support of individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities. I earned a Bachelors in Psychology and was hired at South Mississippi Regional Center in the Home and Community Based Services department in the capacity of a Support Coordinator. As a Support Coordinator, I get the opportunity to work with individuals with developmental, physical and mental disabilities and their families. My job is to ensure that the clients can live a life free from abuse and neglect in...
Words: 1886 - Pages: 8
...Social Work is a field that gets put on the back burner most times. Treated unfairly the Social Workers must find available options for clients and resources. More and more lately programs to benefit the well-being of adults and children are being cut back or even eliminated altogether. Therefore, we need Social Workers to vouch for their clients and issues that they feel most compassionate about. The best way to make ones voice be heard is through voting, attending public meetings and advocating with policy makers. Unfortunately, at times it is difficult to get one’s voice heard when so many policy makers are corrupt and do not have the best interest for the people they represent. Due to the apprehensive of the policy makers I was intimidated...
Words: 1258 - Pages: 6
...Social workers must have a vast skill set to successfully work in all the different branches of Social Work. When assessing and working with clients a social worker must be sensitive and understanding of clients cultural and religious beliefs. Mental illness goes often untreated which is worsened if culturally you do not believe in it. The following case study is of a 21 year old male Abdul of Arab descent who is reportedly exhibiting erratic violent behavior towards his family. While working with Abdul and his family the social worker must always be ready to educate the clients on possible issues, which will not be an easy task when working with people from different cultures, whom will have different costumes. It is vital to understand that...
Words: 1284 - Pages: 6
...A generalist practice is underpinned by knowledge and skills across a broad spectrum and by comprehensive assessment of problems and their solutions; includes coordination of activities of specialist. Generalist social work is more broadly defined and targeted toward a wider variety of clients and problem areas. The core responsibility of social work practice is the guidance of planned change through the problem-solving process (Generalist Social Work Practice. (n.d.). Generalist social workers work in both private and public agencies. Working in generalist practice requires a broad range of knowledge and skills. Not only do generalist social workers help the person and their environment, but also help facilitate communication and continuity...
Words: 406 - Pages: 2
...Social workers who specialize in substance abuse are the frontline for clients. That’s why, the two skills that I believe to be an important role when dealing with substance abuse are communication skills and reflecting client’s feeling and message skills. If substance abusers do not receive proper treatment in a timely manner, their lives will become unmanageable. Dealing with any type of addiction and alcoholics takes a special type of dedication and commitment. Like the reading states, “It is not uncommon to find many clients with addiction who are misdiagnosed by professional who have not completed specific training in diagnose addiction.” In additional for those social workers that are trained and this area should always continue their...
Words: 413 - Pages: 2
...The social work profession is one that exceeds both boundaries and expectations. With the proper credentials and knowledge, there are no limitations on individuals who consider themselves empathetic, diligent, and serving. For some social work professionals, human health is their ground for providing assistance to clients who may not be able to help themselves. In this field, social workers use communication, research, and networking skills to find needed resources that will ensure both mental and physical stability. Specifically, the United States Department of Health and Human Services quotes that mental health involves the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of an individual (“What is Mental Health”, n.d.). Therefore, it is important to note that properly treating someone with a mental illness goes beyond their mental faults; however, professionals should delve deeper into other realms that affect the mind and the body when treating clients, especially those who suffer with dual diagnosis. Defined, a dual diagnosis is when a client suffers from both a mental disorder and an addiction (“Important Statistics on Dual Diagnosis”, 2017). About four million people suffered from dual diagnosis in the past year alone (“Important Statistics on Dual Diagnosis”, 2017). This statistic brings about...
Words: 1557 - Pages: 7
...regarding macro-social work practice. I saw many parallels between the information given on macro-social work, and my current job. I am currently employed as a program assistant in a low-income community house, and I never thought of my job as a form of macro-social work. However, reading this text informed me that the work that I am doing, in assisting to strengthen and build the community, is in fact a form of macro-social work practice. As a future social worker, I believe that the work that I am doing is incredibly beneficial for the community. Community development and strengthening is incredibly important within contemporary Canadian society, and is an amazing example of macro-social work. Learning about macro-social work in the text, and seeing what macro-social work can do for communities in Ottawa, has really taught me that this form of social work is something that I want to endeavour into. I believe that, community development is a key point for intervention. If a social worker wants to see changes in...
Words: 495 - Pages: 2
...1. Choose a topic. If you are lucky enough to be able to choose your research topic, pick one that interests you. The last thing you want is to end up spending hours learning and writing about a subject in which you have zero interest. You will find the whole process much more enjoyable if you actually care about what you are doing. [1] * Be sure to stay within the guidelines you are given by your teacher or professor. For example, if you are free to choose a topic but the general theme must fall under human biology, do not write your essay on plant photosynthesis. * Stick with topics that are not overly complicated, especially if the subject is not something you plan to continue studying. There's no need to make things harder on yourself! 1. 2 Locate resources. Before you begin writing, read up on the subject of your essay. It is best to gather all your sources and review them before attempting to begin your paper so that you can have things clearly planned out when you actually start writing. You can find information on your topic of choice through a number of different types of resources. Some examples are discussed below. * Specialty books; these can be found at your local public or school library. A book published on your topic is a great resource and will likely be one of your most reliable options for finding quality information. They also contain lists of references where you can look for more information. * Academic journals; these are...
Words: 3899 - Pages: 16
...|College of Humanities | | |ENG/120 Version 3 | | |Business Literature | Copyright © © 2011, 2007, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course explores business and the workplace through imaginative literature and essays. Students may study poems, plays, short stories, and essays with themes or story lines that emanate from the workplace. Students will read, interpret, and analyze the literature while responding to the connections between occupation and personal identity and the connections between the social and personal significance of their relationship with work. Students will note and discuss trends in society that are illustrated by business and workplace attitudes and portrayed in literature. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each...
Words: 2095 - Pages: 9
